For parade, only four planets will be visible tomorrow

A rare planetary alignment that began in January this year, expected to dazzle with seven visible planets at its peak on February 28, has now lost much of its appeal.

- RISHITA KHANNA @Bengaluru

Instead of seven, only four planets will be visible on Friday—fewer than even the six that were visible when the rare celestial phenomenon unfolded.

Researchers at Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium (JNP) confirmed that Venus, Jupiter and Mars will be seen, while Mercury, though part of the alignment, will remain hidden as it is too close to the Sun. Mercury's position in the sky means it gets lost in the Sun's bright glare, making it hard to spot.